The fashion industry was and still is cut throat. Only strong women with flair, passion and incredible work ethic survive. "The Rebel of Seventh Avenue" by Annabelle Marx introduces us to Maisie McIntyre. Living in the tenaments of 1910 Edinburgh, she works hard in a laundry to help put food on the family table and by night slowly develops her dressmaking skills, under the tutelage of her mother who was injured in a workplace incident that was swept under the carpet by her being "paid off" with a sewing machine and a new way of making a crust. Tragically her mother dies well before her time, as a hard poor life catches up with her.
Maisie is desperate to escape the grinding poverty that has defined her life so far, so makes a daring choice: she steals a bolt of peacock-blue silk, a stash of money and sails for New York City, under disguise as a mourning widow. She meets people on this voyage who will be pivotable in building her new life.
On arrival, she must start at the bottom of the New York ragtrade. She works in a factory which locks it's door when the work day is underway and physically pats down its staff as they leave at the end of the day!  Maisie luckily avoids the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, but loses her beloved friends. 
She is determined to build her own courtier empire, along the way supporting women of all colour and nationality. 
This is an era of the emerging women’s rights movement and Maisie is a woman determined to fashion not just beautiful clothes, but her own place in a man’s world; fostering a workforce where self confidence can build and talent is able to be demonstrated and acknowledged. Needless to say customers will be lost along the way as this rebellious stance shocks many. 
Maisie falls in love with Joseph Jackson, a talented Black architect with dreams as ambitious as her own. But in a world steeped in prejudice, she finds herself making an impossible choice.
This is a story of grit rather than glamour, as far as Maisie is concerned. She works incredibly hard, avoids the limelight and parties of the pre and post first world war. An enormous fortune is built; easily destroyed on the word of mouth of wealthy women who crave being the centre of attention or the wall street crash and war time downturns that demanded diversification and clever business acumen.
A riveting story. Not based on any one actual historical figure but incorporating people of the time like Coco Chanel. This is the best type of historical fiction, the blending of real events along with a compelling story. Each chapter introduces an outfit made by Maisie and proceeds to tell the story of the inspiration and manufacture of this garment. 
Thank you to NetGalley, Annabelle Marx and Storm Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel. I was captivated from start to finish and will actively look out for Annabelle's books in the future.

|:: The Rebel of Seventh Avenue
By Annabelle Marx
Chapter title: Maw Page 28
Edinburgh 1902
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

{ My heart was now beating so fast I could hardly breathe. I got up, just to be able to do something, to force air into my lungs, and began pacing up and down the tiny room.
This money was for our family, to make our lives better.
Turn
Perhaps I could keep it all for myself.
Turn
Should I tell Netta?
Turn
But if I didn't, she'd never know. I could just leave and start my own life somewhere else.
Turn
But if Maw had left it for us, she'd know what is done. Somehow she'd know. I came to a halt.
What should I do?
Standing in the middle of the room I heard footsteps on the stairs, voices: Netta and Duncan returning with the girls. }

We follow a beautiful, unpredictable and very talented Masie McIntyre from a young age when she would sit and sew for her mother right up to the life-changing age of 19.

With the help of a boat destined for America and nothing but ideas and inspiration floating around in her head. She set out to make the life she has always dreamed of. She had a vision, a passion and her visions were hers to grasp and make come true, once she put dreary Scotland behind her, she could breathe finally.. In her bones, she knew she could not be a wife, married to a man, cleaning and taking care of him, a hoard of children running around never giving her a moment's peace.

No, her life was to be something else. She wasn't sure exactly what it would be yet but she had ideas.
And it involved Colour. Shape. Tailoring. Sketching, and taking the world by storm.
And that is exactly what she did. One goal after another.

This book was so inspiring and influential. To have a book that praised women, showing the beautiful harmony we could have if we all worked together and even though it touched briefly on some uncomfortable subjects, it made the story so raw and engaging. I find myself looking at the way people dress now.

It's unnerving because I have never been an arty person but after reading what Masie achieved in her lifetime, it made me look at mine. I know life is precious, you should live every day to the max. Just as wonderful as it was to see Maisie thriving, it put into perspective what could happen during pregnancy, postnatal depression and other circumstances that unfortunately we sometimes find ourselves in.

I thought this story was amazing. It did steal a little bit of my heart and I'm so grateful to you for allowing me to read this.
It's one of those books you will never, ever forget.

A huge thank you to Annabelle Marx, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

This book was flawless. I enjoyed this story so much. Annabelle is a prolific and inspiring author. Her descriptions make for a vivid experience. I love the pacing throughout time and the conclusions felt seamless. Absolutely in awe of this story. I will remember this for a while

I absolutely loved Rebel on Seventh Avenue. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Maisie McIntyre’s world—a young seamstress in 1910 Edinburgh who risks everything to chase a better life in New York City. Her story is bold, heartbreaking, and beautifully told.

What stood out to me most was how richly layered every character felt. Whether it was a central figure like Maisie or someone who only appeared briefly, the author gave each person emotional weight. No one felt like background—they all had purpose, history, and heart. It made the whole world of the book feel real and lived-in.

Maisie herself is unforgettable. Watching her rise through the fashion world, armed with only her talent and stubborn determination, was incredibly satisfying. Her relationship with Joseph Jackson, a Black architect with big dreams of his own -- felt raw and very real. Their love story is tender and courageous, but never simplified, especially in the face of societal barriers they both face.

The historical backdrop—the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the growing women’s rights movement—was handled with care and vivid detail. I learned things, I felt things, and I never once felt like I was being talked down to. It just felt immersive and honest.

If you’re drawn to stories about women carving out space for themselves in a world that tries to keep them small, Rebel on Seventh Avenue is a must-read. It’s ambitious, emotional, and full of quiet triumphs and devastating choices.

I really enjoyed this story. Maisie is the main character and she learns to sew when her mother is injured by her employer's son. Her employer buys her a sewing machine and sewing materials and commissions her to make clothes for her.
Maisie works in a laundry and she is excellent at designing and making clothes.
Maisie is resilient and talented. She travels to America when her mother dies.
The author describes the time well and how the clothes are made up.
Also she describes the poverty and the life of that time as well as the thrill of moving to another country and Maisie making her way there.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content warnings from the reviewers of Storygraph: Graphic: Racism, Death, Emotional abuse Moderate Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Infidelity

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue strongly aligns with my well-established preference and love for historical fiction. There’s a lot to like about this book, from social struggles in the early 20th century, to the well-researched historical aspects, most especially the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in 1914, of which I knew something about.

This book does have one of the content warnings that I try to avoid, but it was unknown when I requested the book: domestic and emotional abuse, so I struggled a bit during those scenes. And if you haven’t heard of the above-mentioned Triangle Shirtwaist fire, it’s a horrifying and terrible disaster for young women in the early part of the 20th century. In other words, this is the sort of book that brings about strong emotions.

I recommend this book with the above reservations noted. This is the best type of historical fiction, the blending of real events along with a compelling story.

This was a fascinating story, but could have been a tad shorter. Overall I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the story.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx, published by  Storm Publishing
It takes en exceptional author to bring tears to my eyes at the end of a novel. Just wow! This novel was brilliant. I read every word, the book flowed so well, I didn't want to miss any detail. One of the best books I've read this year.
I was instantly drawn to the main character, Maisie with her determination and confidence. I loved the legacy she created, the friends she made, the people she employed, the creativeness she found in herself, and the lives she helped and changed along the way. This woman had quite the vision.
The author created an excellent plot, and great characters, perfectly describing people, places and things. The reader can envision the story unfolding as they read.
Absolutely loved this book and will be reading Annabelle Marx's other novel in the near future

This was a really interesting book that drew in my attention. There were some parts that were harder to get through due to the themes, but overall I was pulled in through the whole thing.

🧵 The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx is a book full of major life decisions, aspirations, dedication, and regrets.

🪡 Maisie McIntyre is the second daughter of a seamstress, living a hard life in Edinburgh. As a young girl Maisie dreams of creating couture fashion designs, dressing women of all skin tones and body shapes with cutting edge designs, fabrics, and colors that would suit them best.

👗 Maisie takes the risk of a lifetime to pursue her dream. She very quickly learns of the poor work conditions women are exposed to, the pressures/expectations placed on those who are in wealthy social circles, and the unfair treatment of those who are looked down upon during this period in time.

🧥 The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is a perfect title for this book as Maisie was rebellious from her early years up through adulthood. She stood up for what she felt was right, extremely progressive in her thinking. Unfortunately Maisie learns a bit too late that even though she took a hard stance on most things she believed in, she compromised the ultimate sacrifice, one that haunted her until the day she died.

💠 This story encompasses many issues that occurred during the time period, whether it connected to women’s suffrage, prohibition, the Great Depression, segregation, WWI, interracial relationships, other taboo relationships, or inequality: this book literally has it all.

✨ I thoroughly enjoyed EVERY page of this novel. If you are hesitant to pick up this book because historical fiction is not your preferred genre, take a risk as Maisie did. Go all in without a second thought and read this! It was FANTASTIC!

🤩 Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel. All opinions are my own.

#netgalley #historicalfiction #annabellemarx #therebelofseventhavenue #annabellemarx #summerreading #stormpublishing

I went into this book blind and oh my gosh what an amazing read. This is one of the few books to make me cry at the end and for that alone it definitely deserves the 5 stars.
The book begins in Edinburgh in 1902 and having come into some money Maisie leaves Scotland on a ship ending up in New York. She uses her textile skills to start making dresses and takes us through the decades of her life.
The descriptions of the dresses and fabrics were colourful and beautiful. The book also focused on the racism and sexism of the era with her falling in love with a black man and having a black workforce and the trials this brought. The story took us through wars, the depression, love and friendships as well as the stark contrast between Scotland and America in those times. I loved the characters and especially how strong and powerful they were. I will be recommending and looking out for more from this author.

For the most part, I enjoyed this. It was a good mix of history, details about an industry I don't know much about, and good characters.
HOWEVER. I had a VERY hard time with the surprise pregnancy and Maisie keeping the baby, despite really not wanting to become a mother, because Oti told her she should. That sent a very gross message to women, like me, who do not desire motherhood. I think her getting an abortion, losing the pregnancy naturally, or giving the baby up for adoption would've been a better choice for the character and sent a better message to childfree readers.

This is absolutely one of the best books I've read recently.

I think this might be due to a recent personal bias, but I have been searching for a book about successful women and their journey.

We follow Maisie on her journey as a New York couturier and we follow her stories alongside the tumultuous and ever changing world of fashion and life from 1900 to 1950s. We see discussions of race, femininity, sexism concerns around motherhood and of course the journey of creating a business from nothing and the innovation that it entails.

The book feels real in the conversations and concerns the characters have and the reality of artist block and creativity spurts that creatives have.

A thing that stood out to me was the main character's characterisation, unlike quite a few "blank-canvas" characters in modern day who have little to no personality so that the reader can project onto them, the determination, temper, drive, and constant innovation of the character truly made her feel like a person who could exist in the cut-throat world of fashion and come out successful.

There are also too few books that truly drive into the nitty gritties of the hobbies or industries that they are based in and whilst reading this book I could get a true sense of the research that was undertaken to get the intricacies of the style of dress at any specific era correct. I enjoyed learning about the fabrics and fashions.

I really wanted to love this book and I didn’t. The time and places in history in which it was set, the fashion industry and the details about the fabrics and clothes are all things I’m fascinated by. However, the story didn’t grab me. I found it difficult to relate to the characters, which meant I didn’t really care what happened to them.
2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an advance copy.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

The book started well, creating a strong presence of fashion and its influence on Maisie, the main character. Her interest in fashion is evident, as she seems to come to life when designing and making clothes that she admires so much. Her penchant for creativity pulls together so many strong female friendships in her life, which was truly heartwarming. Unfortunately, because of how much the timeline stretches, I began to lose interest. The Aiden T Cruikshank romance felt a bit unnecessary and forced to me, especially since I felt he was wasting Masie's time, especially since we had to wait so long to find out his true intentions. I had to take a star off due to the usage of a slur towards Arctic indigenous people at the end of the eighth chapter, Knitting. I understand that it was a commonly used word back then, but we know better now, and there are better ways to describe affection. The ending gave a satisfactory sense of resolution and was well written.
I give this 3/5 stars.

Maisie's challenging younger life prepares her for her future when she leaves Scotland to seek success as a fashion designer in New York. Life is still difficult, not very different from Scotland, but she uses her contacts, harnesses her ambition, and begins establishing her own business. It portrays the importance of the fashion industry to women and the way it mirrors female emancipation in this absorbing and emotional story. Maise is a trailblazer, but her life is not without loss and sacrifice, as she and those she cares for have to overcome New York society's poverty, prejudice, and misogyny in the early 20th century. I like the relatable characters, the historical details relating to the fashion industry and the emotional storytelling that immerses you in the characters' lives.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

So many emotions I felt while reading this. I’ve always loved the 20’s era and adding fashion to it, I was so excited to read this. Some parts were difficult to read due to the racism and misogyny but it is also an important read and gives us a glimpse of what life was like then. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this. I will not soon forget it.

Lies, theft, mystery and finding ones true self.
between the fabrics and colors you find Maisie in a struggle with herself to find her creative path. With the changing paths of war, economy depressions and racism is alot for one to handle.

This is my first book by this author, it is a powerful story of friendship cruelly torn apart, of tragedy, of deep racial prejudice, of closet homosexuality, of women's suffrage, it is one woman's fight to climb from the bottom, clawing her way up to the very top using any means possible to get that start, that woman is Maisie McIntyre.
Maisie, with the help of stolen money, a stolen bolt of expensive fabric and her late mother's Singer sewing machine, leaves the rest of her impoverished family behind in her native Scotland and heads for the bright lights of New York.
Maisie isn't well educated but she does have some things in her favour, her imagination, her ability to design, her talent for sewing and most of all her ambition, belief in herself and her work ethic.
Maisie started small but with good luck and beautiful, innovative designs her business grew but tragedy struck and now Maisie needed help. Help came in the shape of Oti, the sister of Joseph Jackson, the man that Maisie fell in love with, the man she couldn't have. Oti's embroidery and bead work were exquisite, she soon became irreplaceable but Oti had to be kept hidden, Oti was black and Maisie's clientele were New York's very prejudiced high society.
This is Maisie's story, she is selfish in some ways but in others she defies society to bring work to dozens of women who society looked down on.
I like that this story is like a timeline of things that are happening in the world through Masie's lifetime, the story is enjoyable and informative, it moves quickly although sometimes it does seem a little long winded.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is an ambitious, sweeping historical fiction that follows Maisie McIntyre, a bold and determined seamstress from Edinburgh, as she builds a new life in early 20th-century New York. From a traumatic start in Scotland to rising through the fashion world in Manhattan, Maisie’s journey is filled with heartbreak, reinvention, and resilience.

I was drawn in by the setting and the rich historical detail—especially the backdrop of immigration, the women’s movement, and the early days of American fashion. Maisie is a compelling character who never stops pushing forward, no matter what life throws her way. Her relationships, particularly with Rosa and Joseph, add depth and emotion to the story.

That said, a few things didn’t quite work for me. The use of heavy Scottish dialect ("tae" for "to," "nae" for "no") was difficult to read at times and pulled me out of the narrative. There were also some strange timeline inconsistencies early on, and the story becomes a bit chaotic with so many plot twists, time jumps, and dramatic turns packed into one book.

Over the course of the book, Maisie experiences tragedy, success, love, loss, and more than a few shocking twists—(view spoiler) The pacing can feel rushed in the second half as years—and entire eras—fly by.

Despite that, I admired the ambition and emotional depth of this story. If you enjoy generational sagas, fierce female leads, and historical fiction with lots of drama, this one delivers. It’s not perfect, but it kept me turning the pages until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.